MEETH is the only hospital in the Northeast to offer the breakthrough procedure for ocular tumors

Northwell’s Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital (MEETH) is the only hospital in the Northeast offering a pioneering radiation therapy that treats ocular tumors in just minutes, potentially sparing patients from eye removal and eliminating the need for multiple procedures. This innovative treatment delivers radiation quickly and precisely, providing patients facing a rare and complex cancer with a faster, less invasive alternative to traditional methods without compromising effectiveness.

The technique utilizes a high-dose, contact-based form of brachytherapy with a beta-emitting, FDA-approved radiation source derived from a highly purified form of yttrium-90. Instead of implanting a radioactive plaque into the eye for several days, as is done with traditional treatment, the radiation is delivered directly to the tumor using a thin wand tipped with a tiny, six-millimeter yttrium-90 disc. The device is applied to the eye for just seconds to minutes, depending on tumor size, and then immediately removed, requiring no sutures or a second procedure.

Phone
(212) 838-9200
Call  to schedule an appointment

Advancing care for complex eye cancer

“This is a game-changer in how we treat eye cancer,” said chairman of radiation medicine at Northwell. “Our goal at MEETH is to provide effective treatment with as little disruption as possible to our patients’ lives. With this technology, we can offer precise therapy that’s fast, minimally invasive and significantly more convenient than traditional approaches.”

The yttrium-90 isotope is favored for its short half-life — just 64 hours — which allows for rapid dose delivery and safer handling. Its limited tissue penetration is ideal for targeting tumors without damaging surrounding parts of the eye.

The American Cancer Society projects about 3,140 new cases of eye and orbital cancers in 2025, with uveal melanoma as the most common type. Risk factors include fair skin, light eye color, male sex, advanced age and certain genetic conditions. Regular eye exams and awareness of changes in vision or the appearance of the eye can help detect issues early, when treatment is most effective.

MEETH has a legacy of innovation in eye care, from launching the nation’s first glaucoma clinic in 1942 to pioneering laser cataract removal in 1993. The hospital was recently named the first Center of Excellence in Ophthalmology in the country by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), recognizing its surgical expertise, advanced technology and focus on exceptional patient outcomes.